Ankara is responding to Cyprus’s deepening cooperation with the U.S., France, and Israel. The review of Turkey’s military readiness in the occupied territories is part of a new defense doctrine aimed at countering potential threats.
“On the island of Cyprus, the Turkish Armed Forces have deployed electronic warfare systems, radar systems, and anti-tank systems, while the presence of our submarines on patrol in Cyprus’s maritime zone has been increased to a 24-hour basis.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
For its part, Nicosia is accelerating its cooperation with Paris to strengthen its deterrent capability through SAFE, by advancing contracts for the procurement of the Jaguar armored fighting vehicle, equipped with an Akeron anti-tank missile launcher, while the list also includes two options for armored personnel carriers, both from French manufacturers. According to F, Nicosia is considering the purchase of 80 Griffon vehicles and 100 Serval vehicles.
The situation in Cyprus is fraught with the potential for conflict, and the likelihood of escalation remains high, warned Yuri Pilipson, director of the European Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuri Philipsson, when asked to comment on reports of Turkish tanks moving near the buffer zone.
Mecca Pact
Israeli analysts believe that the new defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan may trigger a chain reaction of geopolitical realignments, strengthening Israel’s relations with India, Cyprus, and Greece as a counterbalance. The Jerusalem Post links the Mecca Pact to the phone call that took place a day earlier between Benjamin Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.
“The Republic of Cyprus enters into bilateral, trilateral, or other agreements with friendly or allied powers; and within the same framework, Turkey is also seeking to establish relations and enhance its capabilities as a member of the international community.” Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defense
Nicosia is calmly monitoring developments, including Turkey’s outreach to Egypt, which was recently marked by the signing of a letter of intent by the defense ministers of the two countries
See the report by Christoforos Nestoros
